N.C. State athletics has seen a dramatic improvement of its programs. With that improvement has come increased attention and expectations.
Former cornerback David Amerson was supposed to intercept another 13 interceptions, the football team was going to play in the Atlantic Coast Conference championship game and the basketball program was destined for the Final Four.
Two of these didn’t happen; one still can, but its future looks bleak.
Disappointment of other athletic programs that have failed to meet expectations, which many students have deemed “N.C. State sh*t,” has come full swing.
N.C. State’s baseball program, coming off an incredible run to the Gainesville Super Regional, is ranked No. 9 in the country.
Buy or sell? I’m buying.
Yes, it’s been 45 years since the baseball program has been to the promise land, Omaha, but this season’s squad has the talent.
No, you can’t win on talent alone, but the remaining core players from last year’s Regional Championship team may have what it takes.
The team’s standout players are a perfect blend of young talent and seasoned veterans.
After stellar freshman seasons, sophomore pitcher Carlos Rodon and shortstop Trea Turner, along with outfielder Jake Fincher and catcher Brett Austin, will look to avoid sophomore slumps and build on their performances from last season.
Rodon, the team ace, is entering his second year with a 9-0 record and 1.57 ERA. His contributions helped him win the ACC’s Pitcher of the Year and Freshman of the Year awards.
Turner, who will make the switch from third base to shortstop, his natural position, finished the season with a .336 batting average and five home runs. He also led the nation in stolen bases with 57. He is now 16 shy of breaking the N.C. State record.
Senior outfielder Tarran Senay and pitchers Ryan Wilkins, Grant Sasser and Ethan Ogburn played essential roles in the Pack’s post-season success and will be the team’s veteran group.
Along with a solid core of players, a team must have the ultimate leader: the right head coach.
Head coach Elliot Avent is that man.
Avent is one win away from 600 with the program. He has taken the program to three Super-Regionals and was named the 2003 National Coach of the Year.
The baseball program, under Avent’s watch, has only seen a losing record once, 25-31 in 2009.
Last season, the team finished 43-20, 19-11 in the ACC, and finished second in the conference. Bitter rival UNC-Chapel Hill is ranked No. 2 in the country, and the rest of the conference is stacked as well.
In addition to State and Carolina, five other ACC schools are ranked in the NCAA’s top-35: No. 11 Florida State, No. 21 Georgia Tech, No. 28 Clemson, No. 29 Miami (Fla.) and No. 30 Virginia.
Barring any monumental injuries, I believe the Pack will improve upon last season.
State is the favorite to win the ACC, voted on by 12 ACC coaches. It’s hard not to agree, but it will be a tough road.
The bottom line: This may be the best chance the program’s had to reach, and win, the College World Series.
Wolfpack nation, as former NFL receiver Terrell Owens once said, “Get your popcorn ready.” We’re going to Omaha.
